Method of chemical soil stabilization and dust control

ABSTRACT

A heterogeneous mixture produced by blending aliphatic or cyclic organic compounds with carboxylic acids of chemical structure R—COOH and applied to soils in a manner to produce high levels of dust and erosion control, and soil stabilization. Alternatively, a heterogeneous mixture may be produced by blending aliphatic or cyclic organic compounds with polyolefins of chemical structure C n H 2n  or R—C 2n H 3n , and applied to soils in a manner to produce high levels of dust control and soil stabilization. The aliphatic and cyclic compounds act as plasticizers and carriers for the carboxylic acids or polyolefin compounds. When applied to soil the carrier provides a mechanism for the carboxylic acid or polyolefin to penetrate the soil and also acts as a dust suppressing weighting agent. The plasticized carboxylic acid and/or polyolefin provides a durable, reworkable binder that associates small particulates while stabilizing soil and aggregate.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/606,497, filed Jun. 29, 2000; the disclosures ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates to a method of soil stabilization and dustcontrol utilizing aliphatic and cyclic organic compounds, specificallyblends of resin acids, fatty acids and their esters with solvents thatact as plasticizers and carriers.

[0004] 2. Background of Invention

[0005] Many methods of chemical dust and erosion control, and soilstabilization have been utilized over the years, with variousdetrimental effects on environment, health, and safety and varyingdegrees of success. Traditional products used for dust control and soilstabilization consist of used or recycled oil, virgin oils, chlorides,lignins, and emulsifications made with low-grade petroleum resins,asphalt, oil, and pitch.

[0006] The use of used or recycled petroleum oils has long been employedas a dust control agent. In recent years legislation by most states hascurtailed the use of these oils for dust control because of concernswith environment, health, and safety. This legislation has spawned aninterest in virgin oils, some highly refined and very safe. The highlyrefined products may contain low or no aromatics but are generally costprohibitive for most applications. In addition, petroleum oils havelimited value as dust suppressants and virtually no value as soilstabilizers. They act as particle weighting agents by the processes ofadsorption or absorption and do not have any significant cohesive actionfor soil stabilization and control of fine dust.

[0007] Magnesium chloride, calcium chloride, and sodium chloride used insolution or solid form act as humectants when added to soil. Theseproducts work well in areas of sufficient moisture or require wateringfor humectants action. The problems with these products are theirsolubility in water and effects on ground water and plant life. Inaddition, as strong electrolytes they are highly corrosive to metalequipment.

[0008] Lignins have been employed as a low-cost means of dust controlfor several decades. Recently lignins have come under considerableattack by environmental, health, and safety organizations that haveidentified dioxin and dioxin forming compounds in lignin. This problemis compounded by lignins solubility in water and it's ability tocontaminate ground water. Lignins also have a limited working lifebecause they are water soluble they tend to be washed away with rain,melting snow, or other moisture.

[0009] Many types of emulsions of tall oil, petroleum resins, andasphalts and combinations can be prepared and have been exhibited inprior art. Typically these products are emulsified to reduce viscosityto sprayable levels and to aid in penetration of the product into thesoil. One of the problems created is the use of excess liquid, which issprayed onto the ground and can migrate into ground water. In addition,emulsions can also be severely damaged by rain and moisture when themoisture event occurs prior to the emulsion breaking and the activeingredients curing. When cured properly these products produce a boundsoil layer, which is effective for dust control for short periods andunder conditions where there is little mechanical disturbance. Examplesof tall oil pitch emulsions that produce these results can be found inprior art. Doyle U.S. Pat. No. 5,895,347 discloses chemically stabilizedemulsions of tall oil pitch, hydrochloric and stearic acids, andemulsifiers in water where temperature and pH are controlled duringpreparation. Additionally, Burch U.S. Pat. No. 4,822,425 discloses anemulsion comprising tall oil pitch, rosin, emulsifier, and water.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Accordingly, several objects and advantages of our invention aresuperior dust control and soil stabilization in areas of intense use.Improved air and water quality through reduction of airborneparticulates and soil erosion are achieved with use of our chemicalagents formulated from safe aliphatic and cyclic organic compounds.

[0011] In addition, our invention has several benefits over traditionalchemical dust and erosion control, and soil stabilization agents, it canbe applied neat or undiluted eliminating the chances of collateralrunoff, it remains active over long periods of time requiring fewermaintenance applications, is insoluble in water resisting rain andinclement weather contains no electrolytes thus inhibits corrosion.

[0012] A heterogeneous mixture produced by blending aliphatic or cyclicorganic compounds with carboxylic acids of chemical structure R—COOH andapplied to soils in a manner to produce high levels of dust control andsoil stabilization. The aliphatic and cyclic compounds act asplasticizers and carriers for the carboxylic acids. When applied to soilthe carrier provides a mechanism for the carboxylic acid to penetratethe soil and also acts as a dust suppressing weighting agent. Theplasticized carboxylic acid provides a durable, reworkable binder thatassociates small particulates while stabilizing soil and aggregate. Thechemical agent is manufactured and applied using conventional mixing andapplied using conventional construction equipment. A test performed at acontinuous caster area in a steel mill produced 176% improvement in soilstiffness and modulus as well demonstrable improvements in dust control.Untreated test locations are shown in FIG. 1, untreated (7.3 MN/m) (01),untreated (10.8 MN/m) (02), untreated (9.9 MN/m) (03), untreated (7.6MN/m) (04). Treated test locations are shown in FIG. 1, treated (17.4MN/m) (05), treated (21.1 MN/m) (06), treated (18.4 MN/m) (07), treated(31.2 MN/m) (08), treated (37.2 MN/m) (09), and treated (22.2 MN/m)(10).

[0013] The present invention also encompasses a heterogeneous mixtureproduced by blending aliphatic or cyclic organic compounds withpolyolefins of chemical structure C_(n)H_(2n) or R—C_(2n)H_(3n), andapplied to soils in a manner to produce high levels of dust control andsoil stabilization. The aliphatic and cyclic compounds act asplasticizers and carriers for the polyolefin to penetrate the soil andalso acts as a dust suppressing weighting agent. The plasticizedpolyolefin provides a durable, reworkable binder that associates smallparticulates while stabilizing soil and aggregate. The chemical agent ismanufactured and applied using conventional mixing and applied usingconventional construction equipment. A laboratory test performed oncompacted gravel produced 117% improvement in soil stiffness and modulusas well as demonstrable improvements in dust control.

[0014] Still further objects and advantages will become apparent from aconsideration of the ensuing description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The preferred embodiment of the invention, illustrative of thebest mode in which applicant contemplated applying the principles of theinvention, is set forth in the following description and is shown in thedrawings and is particularly and distinctly pointed out and set forth inthe appended claims.

[0016]FIG. 1 is a top view of a test plot from an application of apreferred embodiment of the present invention to stabilize soil andcontrol dust at a steel mill;

[0017]FIG. 2 is a particle size distribution curve from a test conductedaccording to a preferred method of this invention; and

[0018]FIG. 3 is a particle size distribution curve from a test conductedaccording to an alternate preferred method of this invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Description of First Embodiment

[0019] The invention described herein consists of aliphatic and cyclicorganic compounds utilized as plasticizers and carriers that are blendedwith materials composed primarily of carboxylic acids and applied in amanner to produce improved levels of dust and erosion control, and soilstabilization.

[0020] A novel and unexpected result occurs when carboxylic acids areblended with aliphatic or cyclic organic plasticizers and carriers.These blends are processed into either heterogeneous mixtures oremulsions that applied to soil, aggregate, or mineral provide highlevels of long lasting dust control and stabilization. The inventionexhibits tremendous moisture resistance, reworkability, working life,while being noncorrosive and nonhazardous.

[0021] Aliphatic organic compounds refers to saturated and unsaturatedhydrocarbons derived from petroleum, coal, or synthetic manufacturingincluding paraffins or alkanes, olefins, alkenes, and alkadienes.Alcohols, ethers, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, andcarbohydrates. The invention is comprised 0-95% by weight of thesecompounds.

[0022] Cyclic organic compounds refer to alicyclic hydrocarbons,cycloparaffins, cycloolefins, cycloacetylenes, aromatic hydrocarbons,heterocyclics, and any combinations of aliphatic and cyclic structuressuch as terpenes, amino acids, proteins and nucleic acids. The inventionis comprised 0-95% by weight of these compounds.

[0023] Carboxylic acid refers to any substance whose major constituentsare saturated or unsaturated fatty acids and their esters derived fromanimal or vegetable fat or oil; and vegetable derived resins or rosinacids, all represented chemically R—COOH. The invention is comprised5-70% by weight of these substances.

[0024] Plasticizer refers to organic compounds added to carboxylic acidsto facilitate processing and increase the flexibility and durability ofthe final product.

[0025] Carrier refers to any organic compounds in which carboxylic acidsare miscible in and serve as a vehicle to aid in the dispersion andpenetration of plasticized carboxylic acids into the soil.

[0026] Heterogeneous mixtures refer to mixtures or solutions comprisedof two or more substances, whether or not they are uniformly dispersed.

[0027] Emulsions refer to mixtures of two or more immiscible liquidsheld in suspension by small percentages of emulsifiers. Emulsifiers canbe protein or carbohydrate polymers or long-chained alcohols and fattyacids. The emulsions can either be oil-in-water or water-in-oilcontinuous phase mixtures.

Operation of First Embodiment

[0028] The invention is manufactured using conventional manufacturingequipment. Conventional mixers, emulsifiers, or colloid mills areutilized to blend these components into stable heterogeneous mixers oremulsions.

[0029] Application of the chemical agent to the soil is alsoaccomplished by the use of conventional spray equipment. The agent isgravity fed or pumped through hoses, spray nozzles, or fixed sprayersand evenly applied to the soil or material to be treated. Motor-graders,asphalt grinders, mixers, pug mills, compactors, rollers, and otherconventional construction equipment may be utilized to blend, set grade,and compact stabilized base if desired.

[0030] Once applied the liquid penetrates into the soil where twomechanisms for dust control and stabilization contribute to the effect.The first is a particle weighting and loading mechanism achieved throughthe processes of adsorption, adherence of molecules to the surface ofparticles and absorption, penetration of the substance into the innerstructure of the particles.

[0031] The second mechanism is produced by the plasticized higherpolymeric carboxylic acids which act as binders. The fatty acids andresins bind particles into a tightly cohesive base when subjected tocompactive forces. The plasticized fatty acids and resins remain activeeven through severe wet weather and mechanical disturbances from heavytracked vehicles and steel-chained tires. Our invention displays aunique and unexpected ability to be recompacted into a tightly cohesivebase when disturbed, dramatically extending the working life of thechemical agents.

EXAMPLES OF FIRST EMBODIMENT Example 1

[0032] This example discloses a formulation for producing aheterogeneous mixture depicted in our invention. Constituent Trade NameManufacturer Weight % 1. Severely hydrotreated 50 Neutral HTPetro-Canada 39%   paraffinic hydrocarbons 2. Synthetic iso-alkanesDSF-65 Petro-Canada 33% 3. Mixture of long chain Tallex Westvaco 28%  and tricyclic organic Chemical   acids and esters of   sterols andfatty acids

[0033] The Tallex material is maintained at 45-135 degrees centigradeand blended into the remaining materials using conventional blendingequipment or agitation.

Example 2

[0034] This example discloses a formulation for producing an emulsion,Constituent Trade Name Manufacturer Weight % 1. Severely hydrotreated 50Neutral HT Petro-Canada 16%   paraffinic hydrocarbons 2. Syntheticiso-alkanes DSF-65 Petro-Canada 13% 3. Mixture of long chain TallexWestvaco 11%   and tricyclic organic Chemical   acids and esters of  sterols and fatty acids 4. Water 48% 5. lignosulfonate Indulin SALWestvaco 10% Chemical 6. polyoxypropylene Pluronic F68 BASF  2%

[0035] The Tallex material is maintained at 45-135 degrees centigradeand blended into the remaining materials using conventional high shearmixers, mixer/emulsifiers, colloid mill, or other suitable mixingequipment.

Test of First Embodiment

[0036] A 5,000 square meter test plot was prepared to test theeffectiveness of the invention as a dust control agent and soilstabilizer. A severe test in an intensely utilized area was required. Aslag reclamation area in the continuous caster process of a largeCleveland, Ohio steel mill was chosen for the test. The plot selectedoperates 24 hours/day, 5-7 days/week and averages over 100 vehiclepasses per day with the majority of vehicles large pot haulers,front-end loaders with steel-chained tires, and tractor-trailers.

[0037] Various treatments had been utilized in this area in the pastincluding watering, chlorides, and asphalt emulsions with limitedsuccess. Applications of these chemical agents were typically 1-2 timesdaily for dust control. Historical applications rates for 60% solidsasphalt emulsions ranged between 0.15-0.40 liters/square meter daily.

[0038] Initial observations of the surface prior to testing revealed aslag covered road comprised of material resembling moon dust. A particlesize analysis performed on the material per ASTM C136 indicated thematerial consisted of 25% silt and clay, 62% sand, and 13% gravel. Graph1 below shows the particle size distribution curve for the materialtested.

[0039] The test plot was treated with the material disclosed in Example1 over a six-week period. Three applications over the six week periodwere made using a conventional spray truck with a computerized sprayoutput at an application rate of 0.39 liters/square meter eachapplication.

[0040] Examination of the area indicated our invention provided a higherlevel of dust control using less than 25% of the volume of activeproduct previously required. In addition to visual observations, soilstiffness and modulus readings were made using a Midwest IndustrialSupply, Inc. Stiffness and Modulus Instrument (SAMITRON). The SAMITRONmeasures in-situ soil stiffness by measuring the stress imparted to thesurface and the resulting surface velocity as a function of time. If aPoisson's ratio is assumed and knowing the SAMITRON's physicaldimensions, shear and Young's Modulus can be expressed:${{{{Young}'}s\quad {Modulus}\quad (E)} = \frac{({Stiffness})\left( {1 - {{{Poisson}'}s\quad {Ratio}^{2}}} \right)}{0.1011555}}\quad$  where  Poisson′s  Ratio = 0.35  

[0041] Six measurements were made at treated locations within the testplot with four untreated measurements made just outside the test plot toprovide control data. The untreated locations outside the test plot wereselected in the same general vehicle path to assume equivalent trafficconditions. The average of three readings was reported from each sitewith a 176% increase in stiffness and modulus when compared to theuntreated locations. The averaged data with locations and drawingreferences are listed below: DRAWING REFERENCE STIFFNESS (MN/m) MODULUS(Mpa) Untreated 01 7.3 63.7 Untreated 02 10.8 93.6 Untreated 03 9.9 86.0Untreated 04 7.6 65.7 Treated 05 17.4 151.1 Treated 06 21.1 182.9Treated 07 18.4 159.3 Treated 08 31.2 270.4 Treated 09 37.2 323.1Treated 10 22.2 192.8

Description of Second Embodiment

[0042] The invention described herein consists of aliphatic and cyclicorganic compounds utilized as plasticizers and carriers that are blendedwith materials composed primarily of thermoplastic polyolefin compoundsand applied in a manner to produce improved levels of dust and erosioncontrol, and soil stabilization.

[0043] A novel and unexpected result occurs when polyolefin compoundsare blended with aliphatic or cyclic organic plasticizers and carriers.These blends are processed into either heterogeneous mixtures oremulsions that applied to soil, aggregate, or mineral provide highlevels of long lasting dust control and stabilization. The inventionexhibits tremendous moisture resistance, reworkability, working life,while being noncorrosive and nonhazardous.

[0044] Aliphatic organic compounds refers to saturated and unsaturatedhydrocarbons derived from petroleum, coal, or synthetic manufacturingincluding paraffins or alkanes, olefins, alkenes, and alkadienes.Alcohols, ethers, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, andcarbohydrates. The invention is comprised 0-95% by weight of thesecompounds.

[0045] Cyclic organic compounds refer to alicyclic hydrocarbons,cycloparaffins, cycloolefins, cycloacetylenes, aromatic hydrocarbons,heterocyclics, and any combinations of aliphatic and cyclic structuressuch as terpenes, amino acids, proteins and nucleic acids. The inventionis comprised 0-95% by weight of these compounds.

[0046] Thermoplastic polyolefin compound refers to any substance derivedfrom olefins with chemical structure C_(n)H_(2n) or R—C_(2n)H_(3n),including polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutenes, polyisobutylenes,polyisoprene, and their copolymers. The invention is comprised of 2-90%by weight of these substances.

[0047] Plasticizer refers to organic compounds added to polyolefincompounds to facilitate processing and increase the flexibility anddurability of the final product.

[0048] Carrier refers to any organic compounds in which polyolefincompounds are miscible in and serve as a vehicle to aid in thedispersion and penetration of plasticized polyolefin into the soil.

[0049] Heterogeneous mixtures refer to mixtures or solutions comprisedof two or more substances, whether or not they are uniformly dispersed.

[0050] Emulsions refer to mixtures of two or more immiscible liquidsheld in suspension by small percentages of emulsifiers. Emulsifiers canbe protein or carbohydrate polymers or long-chained alcohols and fattyacids. The emulsions can either be oil-in-water or water-in-oilcontinuous phase mixtures.

Operation of the Second Embodiment

[0051] The invention is manufactured using conventional manufacturingequipment. Conventional mixers, emulsifiers, or colloid mills areutilized to blend these components into stable heterogeneous mixers oremulsions.

[0052] Application of the chemical agent to the soil is alsoaccomplished by the use of conventional spray equipment. The agent isgravity fed or pumped through hoses, spray nozzles, or fixed sprayersand evenly applied to the soil or material to be treated. Motor-graders,asphalt grinders, mixers, pug mills, compactors, rollers, and otherconventional construction equipment may be utilized to blend, set grade,and compact stabilized base if desired.

[0053] Once applied, the liquid penetrates into the soil where twomechanisms for dust control and stabilization contribute to the effect.The first is a particle weighting and loading mechanism achieved throughthe processes of absorption, adherence of molecules to the surface ofparticles and absorption, penetration of the substance into the innerstructure of the particles.

[0054] The second mechanism is produced by the plasticized higherpolymeric polyolefin compounds which act as binders. The thermoplasticpolyolefin compounds bind particles into a tightly cohesive base whensubjected to compactive forces. The plasticized polyolefin compoundsremain active even through severe wet weather and mechanicaldisturbances from heavy tracked vehicles and steel-chained tires. Ourinvention displays a unique and unexpected ability to be recompactedinto a tightly cohesive base when disturbed, dramatically extending theworking life of the chemical agents.

Example 3

[0055] This example discloses a formulation for producing aheterogeneous mixture as disclosed in our invention. Constituent TradeName Manufacturer Weight % 1. Synthetic iso-alkanes DSF-65 Petro-Canada67% 2. Polyisobutylene TPC 195 Texas Petro- 33% Chemical

[0056] The TPC 195 material is maintained at 45-135 degrees centigradeand blended into the remaining materials using conventional blendingequipment or agitation.

Example 4

[0057] This example discloses a formulation for producing an emulsion.Constituent Trade Name Manufacturer Weight % 1. Synthetic iso-alkanesDSF-65 Petro-Canada 15% 2. Polyolefin TPC 195 Texas Petro- 15% Chemical3. Water 58% 4. Low hydrophile- NP 1.5 Chemax  5%   lipophile balance  surfactant 5. High hydrophile- Neodal R-91-8 Tomah  7%   lipophilebalance   surfactant

[0058] The TPC 195 material is maintained at 45-135 degrees centigradeand blended into the remaining materials using conventional high shearmixers, mixer/emulsifiers, colloid mill, or other suitable mixingequipment.

Test of Second Embodiment

[0059] Molded samples were constructed using standard CBR (CaliforniaBearing Ratio) molds using gravel taken from an aircraft runway from theNorthwest Territories in Canada. Three control samples were made andcompacted without the use of a stabilizing agent and tested.Alternatively, three samples were prepared using the material preparedas specified in Example 1 above.

[0060] A particle size analysis performed on the material per ASTM C136indicated the material consisted of 3% silt and clay, 29% sand, and 68%gravel. FIG. 3 shows the particle size distribution curve for thematerial tested.

[0061] The control samples test mold were prepared by compacting 10kilograms of gravel into the standard 15.24 centimeter diameter CBRmolds using an automatic compactor in three lifts and 56 blows per lift.The treated samples were constructed in the same manor with the additionof 100 cubic centimeters of soil stabilizer prepared as described inExample 1.

[0062] Soil stiffness and modulus readings were made using a MidwestIndustrial Supply, Inc. Stiffness and Modulus Instrument (SAMITRON). TheSAMITRON measures in-situ soil stiffness by measuring the stressimparted to the surface and the resulting surface velocity as a functionof time. If a Poisson's ratio is assumed and knowing the SAMITRON'sphysical dimensions, shear and Young's Modulus can be expressed:${{{{Young}'}s\quad {Modulus}\quad (E)} = \frac{({Stiffness})\left( {1 - {{{Poisson}'}s\quad {Ratio}^{2}}} \right)}{0.1011555}}\quad$  where  Poisson′s  Ratio = 0.35  

[0063] An average was taken from three measurements made on each sample.The average of three readings was reported from each sample with a 117%increase in stiffness and modulus when compared to the untreatedlocations. The averaged data is listed below: DRAWING REFERENCESTIFFNESS (MN/m) MODULUS (Mpa) Untreated 01 5.6 48.6 Untreated 02 6.152.9 Untreated 03 5.8 50.3 Treated 04 12.7 110.2 Treated 05 12.6 109.3Treated 06 12.7 110.2

[0064] Accordingly, it can be seen that we have provided a unique andeffective means of dust control and stabilization using a chemical agentthat provided unexpected results when tested.

[0065] Although the description above contains much specificity, theseshould not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but asmerely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferredembodiments of this invention. Various other embodiments andramifications are possible within it's scope. For example, severaldifferent types of substances rich in polyolefins are available asdrop-in replacements to those tested, as well as numerous a aliphaticand cyclic organic compounds. The invention given as a method of soilstabilization and dust control also has related applications as a soilremediation agent, recycled asphalt stabilizer, and asphalt rejuvenator,and coal based or other synthetic fuel additives.

[0066] Thus the scope of the invention should be determined by theappended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examplesgiven.

1-64. (Canceled).
 65. A method for providing at least one ofstabilization and dust control to a particulate surface soil, the methodcomprising: applying to and allowing to penetrate the surface soil acomposition comprising: (a) a binder including a carboxylic acid, anester, or a thermoplastic polyolefin, and (b) a plasticizer including ahydrotreated paraffin or a synthetic isoalkane.
 66. The method of claim65, where the binder is a carboxylic acid.
 67. The method of claim 66,where the carboxylic acid is a fatty acid.
 68. (cancelled)
 69. Themethod of claim 65, where the composition is devoid of electrolytes. 70.The method of claim 66, where the composition comprises from 5 to 70% byweight of the carboxylic acid.
 71. The method of claim 65, where thebinder is a thermoplastic polyolefin.
 72. The method of claim 71, wherethe composition comprises from 2 to 90% by weight of the thermoplasticpolyolefin.
 73. The method of claim 65, where the composition furthercomprises a minor amount of an emulsifier.
 74. The method of claim 65,where said composition is applied neat to the surface soil.
 75. Themethod of claim 65, where the composition includes a syntheticisoalkane.
 76. The method of claim 65, where the plasticizer consistsessentially of a synthetic isoalkane.
 77. A process for at least one ofreducing erosion and controlling dust in surface soil, the processcomprising: (a) applying to said surface soil a composition comprisingtwo organic materials and allowing the composition to penetrate andweigh discrete portions of the surface soil, where the compositioncomprises (a) a binder including a carboxylic acid, an ester, or athermoplastic polyolefin and (b) a plasticizer including a paraffin; and(b) allowing at least one material in the composition to form a binderin which portions of the surface soil are associated, so as to provide atreated surface soil.
 78. The process of claim 77, where said surfacesoil comprises at least one of dirt, slag, sand, gravel, mineral, andaggregate.
 79. The process of claim 77, where said weighting is achievedby at least one of adsorption and absorption of said blend to saiddiscrete portions of said surface soil.
 80. The process of claim 77,where the composition further comprises a long chain carboxylic acid orester.
 81. The process of claim 77, where the composition comprises from5 to 70% by weight of the carboxylic acid or ester.
 82. The process ofclaim 77, where said surface soil exhibits at least a 100% increase instiffness and Young's modulus after being treated.
 83. The process ofclaim 77, where the composition comprises 2 to 90% by weight of thepolyolefin.